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Canyon has just launched a new bike called Canyon Grail. We have looked into the new bike that fits the gravel people.

Gravel, country roads. new roads or adventures. Several people begin to get their eyes on gravel roads or other terrain than the "just" straightway road. Whether it's about driving in other areas or just getting away from traffic, more people have started combining gravel and asphalt to get their daily fix.

There are many that are open to interpretation when it comes to building the "perfect" grind bike. From custom roadway frameworks to mechanical suspension components developed from mountain bikes, focus on this area has often been a little blurred. Now more and more manufacturers are starting to make a bike between a mountain bike, cross country and road bike.

The search for a bike that is adhered to the smooth - and stable on the uneven, has inspired Canyon to find the point between speed and comfort. The brand new Grail is their most "adventurous" road development ever.

Comfort was the area where Canyon engineers set the barren high to give Grail its skills in all terrain. To help neutralize the increase of shocks and vibrations that hit the moment. As you turn the asphalt, they came up with "Hover System".

Focusing on the key touch points including a uniquely integrated cockpit, documented VCLS 2.0 seatpin technology and the latest tires and rim systems, Grail is built to float over uneven surfaces - without the rider being pierced.

The most eye-catching element of the grail is the Hover bar. Its unique double-deck configuration is born to better meet the rider's requirements for a steering wheel that is resilient on the top, providing comfort when cruising around uneven surfaces and stiffening in the bend of spurts or downs.

The fluid Flex range utilizes the elastic properties of the carbon to gently divert and absorb shocks and vibrations that are transmitted through the rider. The Hover control adds only 120 grams to a conventional cockpit setup and is easier than alternative suspension systems and is free of maintenance.

Several features at Grail take rider control to a higher level. Its increased axle distance creates a super steady ride, while the mountain bike inspired cockpit with short and effective crankshaft lengths and wider steering delivers the necessary agility when it becomes technical.

The frame is made of carbon, which keeps the weight down. In a size medium, the Grail CF SLX frame has a weight of just 830 grams, and it's still strong enough to handle the punishments that come when driving off-road. Shimano gear group with a new low 1: 1 gear ratio offers a wide range that will be used to tackle varied terrain without having to work with heavy gear from gear to gear.

2018 Grail series comes in six models: Five Grail CF SL models are now available for ordering including a women-specific model with Grail CF SLX at the top of the row.

Was thinking the same thing. Put some drop in extensions on some of the 15mm rise AeroFly bars and turn them upside down and you have similar to what Canyon did here.

* There is a 70% chance that what you have just read has a peppering of cynicism or sarcasm and generally should not be taken seriously.
I'll leave it up to you to figure out the other 30%. If you are in any way offended, that's on you.

It's a bit strange Pinarello (S-models), Wilier NDR, Specialized Roubaix, Trek (Iso speed) etc offer suspension on road bikes, but still all gravel bikes are stiff (Lauf True Grit is the exception.
I had been more interested if they had invented some sort of suspension fork, 20-30mm.
Fitting a handlebar that flex more doesn't affect traction one bit.
Might aswell use a Lauf Grit and a carbon handlebar, it will probably offer both better traction and less fatigue.

Yes, sprinting provokes Grit, which a stiff fork will not suffer from.
Also noted if you ride at higher speeds and cornering.
Lateral stiffness is not on par with a stiff fork.
There are some trade offs, that is true.
Question is if there will be a ligher fork than Grit, with higher lateral stiffness and no bob.
For now it seems gravel is such a small genre which make typical gravel specific forks too costly.
I think this is why we see very limited options.

Grit makes more sense if you ride a bit harsher terrain. Fatter tires will not function on par with Grit.
I have tested this back and forth myself.
With Grit the bike just keep on bombing.
A stiff fork in direct comparison, rattle like hell.

What would be cool is if 3T made a fork together with THM (which they now own).

I don't see a true benefit with a handlebar made to flex. The front end is still stiff.

Predictions: Will the weird handlebar increase sales by drawing people to the "innovation" of it and the associated weird frame or will it hurt sales because people don't want to be stuck with a frame that only works with one weird handlebar? I'm guessing the latter and think Canyon took a sketchy gamble that they'll backpedal after one year.

A reference could be the Future Shock. I was told by a Specialized dealer that Roubaix sales are way down now that they all come with disc brakes and the shock. Too much complexity and weight for some buyers. I think that particular feature will sell much better on the Diverge line.